Old Testament Notes

Solomon

Solomon, the sixth son of King David and Bathsheba, who
had him blessed by David and chosen as successor to the throne. Famous
for his wisdom, built the Temple in Jerusalem. In fine arts the following
episodes are often present:
The Judgment of Solomon (The First Book of Kings 3:16-28): two women
living in one house gave birth to children, one of the infants died and
his mother claimed the baby of the other woman. They came to Solomon asking
to decide to whom the child belonged. Solomon asked for a sword, announcing
that he would divide the child into two parts for both of them, immediately
the real mother cried out not to kill a child but to give him to her opponent.
Solomon realized that she was the real mother.
See: Ferdinand Bol.David's
Dying Charge to Solomon.Nikolay GayThe
Judgment of King Solomon.GiorgioneThe
Judgment of Solomon.Nicolas PoussinThe
Judgment of Solomon.Raphael The
Judgment of Solomon;
The
Judgment of Solomon.Solomon and Queen Sheba. The visit of the queen of Sheba is
described in The First Book of Kings 10:1-13. The fame of Solomon's wisdom
reached the queen and she came to see and test him. Solomon paid her honors
and answered all her many questions. When the queen of Sheba observed all
his wisdom, she was overcome with amazement and said: “Blessed be the Lord
your God who has delighted in you and has set you on the throne of Israel;
because he loves Israel unendingly, he has made you king to maintain law
and justice.”(1 Kings 10:10). She presented the king with gold and precious
stones, and prized wood.
The homage paid to Solomon by the queen is seen as heralding the Adoration
of the Magi.
See: Hans Holbein Solomon
Receiving the Homage of the Queen of Sheba.Konrad WitzThe
Queen of Sheba before Solomon.